As The Ghost of Jay Cutler has already informed you, the Rebels took the series from Vanderbilt in Nashville. The Rebels again put together a nice offensive performance, and they took the first game of Sunday’s double-header 6-1. Philip Irwin battled hard as he pitched a complete game (7 innings) and only allowed a run. However, game 2 was not as good for the Rebels. Mike Bianco started the third game of the series against Vanderbilt off with a grave error: letting Aaron Barrett pitch. I’m not sure if Mike is watching the same guy pitch that I am, but he is starting a guy in the SEC rotation that has an 11.20 ERA.
The issues of the second game:
First, our starting pitching was atrocious. Secondly, I feel bad for Scott Bittle. He came in to record the final out of the 5th inning, and he accomplished that. He did not allow a hit in 2.1 innings, but he gets the loss due to an unearned run. That drops him to 1-2 on the season, and it isn’t looking like he will have the same impressive stats as last year. We still have 9 weeks to go, but I am worried that he isn’t the same shut-down pitcher from last year.
We scored 6 runs, and that is satisfactory, especially against Vandy pitching. We have to find a way to string it all together.
All in all, we cannot be disappointed with the Rebels showing in Nashville this weekend. I am very impressed with started the season 2-1.
The Rebels return to action on Tuesday in Jonesboro against Arkansas State. Wednesday, the Jort Nation comes to Oxford when the Memphis Tigers make the drive from the Bluff City.